Full Breakdown
American Cheddar Achieves Global Recognition at World Cheese Awards
12/7/2025, 8:10:01 PM
Historic Achievement for American Cheese
At the 2025 World Cheese Awards held in Bern, Switzerland, a New York-made cheddar named Stockinghall achieved a remarkable feat by securing fifth place among over 5,244 entries from 46 countries. This cheddar, produced by Old Chatham Creamery and sold by Murray's Cheese in New York City, not only outperformed numerous esteemed European cheeses but also earned accolades for best American cheese and best cheddar. The recognition highlights a significant moment for American cheese on the global stage.
Craftsmanship Behind Stockinghall
Jeremiah Timmins, the head cheesemaker at Old Chatham Creamery, developed the recipe for Stockinghall after a year of experimentation at Cornell University’s Dairy Science facility. Timmins expressed motivation from the awards, stating his intent to continue improving the cheese. Nick Tranchina, president of Murray’s Cheese, emphasized the dedication of their team in creating distinctive flavors in American cheese, reflecting a broader trend of innovation in the U.S. cheese industry.
Competition Overview
The World Cheese Awards featured a rigorous judging process involving 265 judges who conducted blind tastings. A super jury of 14 experts from five continents selected the finalists. The overall champion was Le Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial, a Swiss cheese praised for its rich flavor and complex texture. Patrick McGuigan, one of the hosts, described the winning Gruyère as having a "real beefiness" and a deep umami flavor, while super jury member Perry Wakeman noted its impressive texture and impact.
Diverse Representation in Awards
While Swiss cheeses dominated the top positions, the competition showcased a diverse array of cheeses from various countries, including the U.S., Japan, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and the U.K. Stockinghall's strong finish marked one of the best performances for American cheeses in recent years. The U.S. also received accolades in other categories, including best goat or ewe's milk cheese for Laura Chenel's Pear, Wine and Rosemary Fresh Goat Cheese Log.
Recognition for Young Talent
In addition to the cheese awards, the Academy of Cheese's Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition recognized Hanna Lee of Uplands Cheese in Wisconsin. Lee expressed feeling "overwhelmed and honored" by her win, which also secured her a position on the judging panel for the 2026 World Cheese Awards in Andalucia, Spain.
Conclusion
The success of Stockinghall at the World Cheese Awards underscores the growing reputation of American cheeses on the international stage. With a commitment to quality and innovation, American cheesemakers are increasingly making their mark in a field traditionally dominated by European producers.
